Plumber in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

If you're considering a move to North Little Rock (often just called "NLR" by locals) for a plumbing career, the first thing to know is that the pay is solid, but it’s not the top-tier market in Arkansas. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,278/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.46/hour. This is slightly below the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year, but the lower cost of living helps offset that difference. The metro area has about 129 active plumbing jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady, not explosive. This isn’t a boomtown for plumbing, but it’s a stable, reliable market with consistent demand.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market data and industry patterns, using the median as the anchor point.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000	Basic pipe fitting, assisting senior plumbers, learning code compliance.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, minor installations, troubleshooting.
Senior	5-10 years	$68,000 - $82,000	Complex installations, mentoring apprentices, project management.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$82,000+	Commercial work, backflow certification, medical gas, business ownership.

Insider Tip: The biggest pay jumps in NLR come from specialization. A general residential plumber might cap out around $70,000, but get certified in medical gas or commercial hydronics, and you can push into the $80,000+ range. Companies like those servicing Baptist Health or the local school districts pay a premium for specialists.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, North Little Rock offers a middle-ground value. Little Rock (its sister city) has a slightly higher median salary (closer to $64,000) but also a higher cost of living. Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas, pays more due to a tighter labor market, but the housing crunch is real. Fort Smith pays less, and Jonesboro is comparable. For a plumber who values a stable market, reasonable housing, and proximity to major employers like the state capitol and a major medical hub, NLR is a strategic choice.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $61,278/year, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Arkansas has a progressive income tax ranging from 2% to 5.5%) will be approximately $4,100/month (this is a rough estimate; your actual take-home depends on benefits, 401k contributions, and other deductions).

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$950	The average for the metro. A 2BR in a safe area runs $1,100-$1,300.
Utilities	$200	High in summer due to AC (NLR summers are hot and humid).
Groceries	$400	For one person. The lack of a major grocery chain in some NLR neighborhoods can mean higher prices.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential. Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable truck or van.
Fuel	$250	Commuting from suburbs to job sites across the river adds up.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies greatly by employer. Many local companies offer plans.
Misc. & Savings	$1,500	This is your disposable income for savings, debt, or discretionary spending.
TOTAL	~$4,100	Leaves a comfortable cushion if you live within your means.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in North Little Rock is around $180,000. With your budget, you could comfortably save for a down payment and afford a monthly mortgage of $1,200-$1,400, which is higher than rent but builds equity. Many plumbers in the area own homes, often in the Hillcrest or John Barrow neighborhoods. Renting first for 6-12 months is advisable to get the lay of the land.

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Where the Jobs Are: North Little Rock's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in NLR is anchored by a mix of industrial, healthcare, and public sector employers. The 129 jobs in the metro are concentrated in a few key areas.

1. Baptist Health Medical Center - North Little Rock: A massive 24-hour hospital complex on McCain Blvd. They have a full-time facilities maintenance team, including several licensed plumbers. They hire for both in-house positions and contract with local firms like Crockett Facilities Services. Hiring is steady due to expansion and constant maintenance needs.
2. North Little Rock School District: With over a dozen schools, the district employs at least one full-time facilities manager (often a master plumber) and contracts with local shops for larger projects. Stable, union-level work with great benefits.
3. Little Rock Air Force Base (JBER): Located just minutes from the NLR city line, the base has a massive housing division and facilities department. They hire civilian plumbers through USAJobs.gov. Clearance can be required, but the pay and benefits are top-tier.
4. Local Government (City of North Little Rock): The city maintains its own water and sewer lines, as well as public building facilities. Jobs are posted on the city's HR website. These are competitive, stable positions with pensions.
5. Industrial Plants: The Arkansas River corridor hosts several chemical and manufacturing plants (e.g., DOW, Valero, and smaller local manufacturers). They need industrial/commercial plumbers for process piping and facility maintenance. Companies like Paragon Industrial and Rogers Group (for asphalt and concrete plants) are major employers.
6. Residential & Commercial Construction Firms: The housing market in NLR is active. Firms like D.R. Horton (new construction) and Baldwin & Shell (commercial) are general contractors that sub out plumbing. Working for these firms offers project-based work with periods of high intensity.
7. Agricultural/Industrial Supply Companies: While not direct employers, companies like Wright’s Plumbing & Heating Supply on Broadway are hubs. You learn about who's hiring, what products are in demand, and they often know the local market pulse better than anyone.

Insider Tip: A huge portion of the work in NLR isn't advertised. It's word-of-mouth. Join the Arkansas Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVAC Technicians Local Union 246 (based in Little Rock but covering NLR). Even if you don't join, attend their events. The union hall is where the best commercial and industrial gigs are posted first.

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Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas has clear licensing requirements through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). The process is straightforward but requires documentation.

• Step 1: Apprenticeship. You must complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed master plumber. You'll also need to complete a formal training program, often through the Arkansas Department of Career Education or an approved trade school.
• Step 2: Journeyman Exam. After your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. The exam is administered by PSI Exams (their website has all the study materials and fees). The cost is typically around $150.
• Step 3: Master Plumber License. To become a master plumber (required to own a business or pull permits), you need 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam (another $150 fee).
• Costs: In addition to exam fees, budget for application fees (~$100), background checks, and tools. Total upfront cost can be $400-$600, not including education.
• Timeline: A full apprenticeship takes 4 years. Once licensed, you can start working independently. For someone moving to AR from another state, you'll need to have your experience and licenses verified by the ADH. They may require additional Arkansas-specific code training.

Insider Tip: The ADH website is your best friend. However, the local Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Arkansas (PHCCAR) is a better resource for navigating the process. They offer prep courses and have relationships with the state board. A quick call to their Little Rock office can save you weeks of confusion.

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The Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in NLR impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. The city is divided by I-40, with older neighborhoods to the south and newer suburbs to the north.

1. Hillcrest (South NLR): This is the historic, walkable heart of NLR. You'll find older bungalows (think 1920s-1950s) and a tight-knit community. It's close to the River Market district in Little Rock and has a great small-town feel. Rent Estimate (1BR): $900-$1,100. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most downtown job sites. Best for: Plumbers who want character, walkability, and a short commute to the city center. Many older homes here need constant plumbing work, so you're never far from a side job.
2. John Barrow (West NLR): A classic 1960s-1970s neighborhood with brick ranch homes, mature trees, and good schools. It's quiet, family-oriented, and safe. Rent Estimate (1BR): $850-$1,000. Commute: 10-20 minutes to most places. Best for: Plumbers with families or those who value a stable, suburban lifestyle without leaving the city.
3. Indian Hills (North NLR): A newer suburb with subdivisions, larger homes, and better schools. It's further from the core but offers more house for your money. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000-$1,200. Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown job sites. Best for: Plumbers looking to buy a home in a newer area. It's a longer commute, but the area is growing.
4. Park Hill (East NLR): Established in the 1950s, this area is known for its mid-century homes and proximity to the Little Rock Air Force Base. It's popular with military families and has a stable, quiet vibe. Rent Estimate (1BR): $850-$1,050. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Best for: Plumbers seeking affordable housing and a stable neighborhood. Great for finding work on base or in the surrounding industrial areas.
5. The Heights (Little Rock, but adjacent): While technically in Little Rock, this area is minutes from NLR's western border. It's the most affluent and walkable area in the metro, with older, beautifully maintained homes. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300+. Commute: 5-15 minutes. Best for: High-end residential plumbers and those who want luxury amenities. The clientele here can afford premium upgrades, which means higher rates for specialized work.

Insider Tip: The commute across the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge or the I-30 bridge is a major factor. Live on the same side of the river as your primary job to avoid the infamous Little Rock traffic during rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 4:30-6 PM).

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is modest but indicates a healthy, non-volatile market. To grow your income and career, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Medical Gas Installation: A certified medical gas installer in NLR can command $5-$10/hour more than a general plumber. Baptist Health and other medical facilities are the primary clients.
  • Commercial/Industrial Piping: Working on process lines, high-pressure systems, or large-scale HVAC piping for industrial plants can push you into the $75-$90/hour range as a contractor.
  • Backflow Prevention Testing: This is a niche, recurring revenue stream. Certifying backflow devices for commercial clients (like restaurants, car washes, and irrigation systems) is a lucrative side business. Many plumbers in NLR add this service and see a 20-30% income increase.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Supervisor: Oversee a crew for a mid-sized plumbing company. Requires strong communication skills.
  2. Project Manager: Handle all aspects of a commercial installation. Need to understand blueprints, budgeting, and client relations.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start a small crew specializing in residential service or commercial work. NLR's market supports small, reputable shops.
  4. Government/Municipal Inspector: Inspect plumbing work for code compliance. This is a stable, 9-to-5 job with excellent benefits, often with the City of NLR or the State.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will be driven by an aging infrastructure (old housing stock in Hillcrest, John Barrow) and new commercial development (industrial parks, healthcare expansion). The biggest challenge will be finding younger workers to replace retiring plumbers, which could drive wages up. Your best bet is to get certified in a specialty within the first 5 years.

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The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $61,278 salary goes much further here than in national markets.	Not a High-Paying Market: You'll work hard to exceed the national average salary without specialization.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, government, and industry. 6% growth is reliable.	Limited "Boom" Opportunities: You won't see the rapid career acceleration of a tech city, but stability is guaranteed.
Central Location: Easy access to the rest of Arkansas and major highways. Great for regional travel.	Public Transit is Weak: A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.
Strong Community: NLR has a distinct identity and a supportive local business network.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be brutal for outdoor work from May to September.
Lower Housing Costs: With median rent at $950, you can save for a home quickly.	Limited Nightlife/Cultural Scene: Most amenities are in Little Rock. NLR is more residential.

Final Recommendation: North Little Rock is an excellent choice for career-minded plumbers who value stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. It’s ideal for those who want to buy a home, raise a family, and build a long-term career with a predictable work rhythm. If you're a specialist (medical gas, commercial) or are willing to start your own business, you can achieve a very comfortable, upper-middle-class lifestyle. For a plumber seeking rapid wage growth and a dynamic market, larger metros like Dallas or Nashville might be better. But for a grounded, affordable, and steady career, NLR is a hidden gem.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a state license to work as a plumber in North Little Rock?
Yes. Arkansas requires a state license for any plumbing work that involves installing, repairing, or altering pipes. You must be a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber. Unlicensed plumbing work is illegal and can result in fines.

2. How competitive is the job market for new plumbers?
For entry-level apprentices, the market is moderately competitive but there is demand. Companies are always looking for reliable, drug-free workers to train. For licensed journeymen, the market is stable but you need a good resume and references. Networking through the local union (PHCCAR) is key.

3. Is the work seasonal or year-round?
It's primarily year-round, but there is a slight slowdown in the dead of winter (January/February) for new construction. However, repair and service work remains steady. Commercial and industrial plumbing is less seasonal than residential new construction.

4. What's the best way to find plumbing work in NLR?
Start with online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), but don't stop there. Drive to the local supply houses (like Wright’s Plumbing Supply) and ask for a list of contractors. Call the PHCCAR office. Many jobs are filled through direct referral. For in-house jobs, check the career pages of Baptist Health, the City of NLR, and the school district.

5. How does the cost of living compare to other states?
North Little Rock is about 11% cheaper than the national average (Cost of Living Index of 89.1 vs. US avg of 100). This is primarily due to very affordable housing. Utilities and groceries are near the national average, while transportation costs are slightly higher due to car dependency. Compared to a state like Illinois or California, your paycheck will stretch much, much further here.